Search Area

The search area options set the search constraints to use when matching, such as to a city, finance area, or within a specified search radius distance that can be limited to the input state. The search area options can assist in finding a match when the input address contains limited or inaccurate city or ZIP Code information.

The following example illustrates the different match results for an input address that contains an incorrect ZIP Code when setting the Search Area to City, then to Finance Area.

Input Address Match with Search Area set to City Match with Search Area set to Finance Area

100 Main St
East Aurora, NY 14166

Input address has an incorrect ZIP Code.

100 MAIN ST
EAST AURORA NY 14052-1633

Match is made to East Aurora 14052 as there is no candidate in the 14166 input ZIP Code.

100 MAIN ST
DUNKIRK NY 14048-1844

Same finance area as the input ZIP Code 14166.

Search Area and Distance Options

Option Name Description

Search Area

Note: In CASS match mode, only the search area options described in Default are available.
Default
The impact of the Default option depends on the match mode you're using for matching.
When Default is enabled and you're matching using either CASS or Relaxed match mode, the search area is determined based on the Centroid preference setting in Geocoding:
  • If Return ZIP Code centroids is enabled, the City search area is used.
  • If either No Centroids or Fallback centroids (the latter being the default setting) is enabled, the Finance Area search area is used.

When Default is enabled and you're matching using any other match mode - Custom, Exact, Close or Interactive - the Finance Area search area is used.

Finance Area
Searches the entire Finance Area for possible streets.
Note: This option has no effect when performing a ZIP centroid match or a geographic geocode.
City
Searches the specified city.
Search Radius
Enables the setting of the search radius distance to use when matching. See Search Radius Distance below.
Search Radius - limit to state
Limits the search to the state, within the search radius distance. The default search radius is 25 miles.

Search Radius Distance

When the Search Radius option is selected, this field allows you to enter the search radius distance to use when matching. Valid values = 0-99 (miles). Default = 25 miles.
Note: Ignored in CASS match mode.